February 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, ON – Today, the House of Commons unanimously voted to pass at second reading a Conservative Private Members’ Bill that would  extend the length of compassionate care leave.

Introduced by MP Matt Jeneroux, Bill C-220, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (compassionate care leave), proposes to extend the length of compassionate care leave by up to three weeks past the death of a loved one. This will allow more time for caregivers to grieve and take care of practical necessities before returning to work.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted how important it is to be talking about grief and its impact on workers. Every Canadian will be impacted by grief at some point in their lives, this has been especially true during the pandemic,” said Jeneroux. “I’m pleased that this bill received the support of all parties and will continue to work through the legislative process to hopefully become law.”

Currently, full-time employees can take up to 28 weeks off work through the compassionate care leave benefit to care for a loved one who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death. However, the current leave ends within days of a loved one’s death.

“I have heard from too many Canadians who haven’t had the time to process the grief of losing a loved one before going back to work,” added Jeneroux. “This bill is a step forward in supporting Canadians through that process.”

-30-